LATEX-FRUIT SYNDROME - FREQUENCY OF CROSS-REACTING IGE ANTIBODIES

An association between allergies to latex proteins and to various food s has been reported and confirmed by RAST and immunoblotting inhibitio n. However, no significant data had been collected on the frequency of specific IgE antibodies to fruits in these patients and the frequency of a history of fruit intolerance. Serum samples of 136 patients with well-documented, clinically relevant, immediate-type hypersensitivity against latex proteins were analyzed for IgE antibodies against a pan el of different fruits. Patient history of food intolerance was docume nted by a standardized questionnaire. Fruit-specific IgE antibodies we re detected in 69.1% of serum samples. Cross-reacting IgE antibodies r ecognizing latex and fruit allergens (papaya. avocado, banana, chestnu t, passion fruit, fig. melon, mango, kiwi, pineapple, peach, and tomat o) were demonstrated by RAST-inhibition tests. Of our patients 42.6% r eported allergic symptoms after ingestion of these fruits and a total of 112 intolerance reactions were recorded. However, fruit-specific Ig E antibodies were detected only in serum samples from 32.1% of the pat ients who perceived symptoms due to these fruits. Thus, serologic test s seem to be of low significance for prediction of food allergy in lat ex-allergic patients.